'Good guidance can prevent a lot of suffering'
After you study in front of the classroom, it is not easy. Good guidance can prevent a lot of suffering, says trainer Dyonne Depondt. She gives the AObworkshop 'How do I survive my first year in the classroom'.
Image: Angeliek de Jonge
Is an extra course 'keeping order' not enough?
“That can't hurt. But when I talk to starters, it is hardly about order problems. It is about the large amount of questions, tasks and new things that starters face and how to deal with them. Dealing with parents is also one thing. ”
What do you think the average starter is doing completely wrong?
“In education, you are expected to participate fully from your first working day, even if you formally have to fulfill fewer task hours. That is too much to ask. Starters must learn to say 'no' earlier and more often. If you do not structurally set the right priorities, you will end up in a cramp and collapse. ”
What are the priorities?
“Enjoy your work and your daily work for the class. This is your core business. ”
What about the sports day and the musical?
“Also important. But if you are already arguing with your partner at home because you are so often busy with your work in the evenings, it might be time to say 'no' if the director wants to involve you in the musical because of your enormous musical talent. ”
Time to throw your ass to the crib?
“Saying 'no' bluntly is not convenient, it is at the expense of the relationship. Always let us know first that you want to think about a question. And then come up with an informed answer. Put a positive spin on your 'no'. For example, that it seems like a lot of fun to you, but not yet this year because you are already busy enough with your core task: teaching. You want to have a good grasp of that first. "
How do you get these wisdoms?
“I worked in primary schools for almost a quarter of a century. Of which seven years as school principal. I have experienced myself how you can be swallowed up. That takes a lot of energy and then it is wise to make choices, manage your time properly and keep your work / life balance healthy. ”
How did you deal with it yourself?
“Focus more and better on what is important. I was lucky that I turned my life around five years ago because of love. With the mind zero from Limburg to the center of the country. There I started raid work again. At a school in Leidsche Rijn I could later also give training to starters. And for three quarters of a year now, as a freelancer, I have been doing nothing more than giving all kinds of communication training. ”
Soon everyone will say 'no'. Who should do the musical?
“There is money for workload relief. Schools can also use that money to appoint an event manager for the school trip, sports day, square parties, musicals and whatnot. That may provide more work pressure relief than forming an extra group. Just as shoemakers stick to their line, teachers can stick to their core task: standing in front of the classroom. ”
The next 'How do I survive my first year in class' training is on October 18 in Groningen. Go to the agenda AOb. Nl for more information and to register for the workshop.
